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More than 50 performances to take center stage in our upcoming 2011-2012 Performance Series!

Keep an eye out for Longwood’s 2011-2012 Performing Arts season brochure, coming soon. This season brings a new genre A World of Music series, ticket discounts for Members, and more performances than ever before.

“As Performing Arts continues to grow and mature at Longwood, we’re keeping our founder Pierre S. du Pont’s vision close to heart,” says Director Paul  B. Redman. “In this upcoming season, we’re not only expanding the number of performances, but also elevating the caliber of artists across a diverse range of genres. Our aim is to bring the finest of arts experiences into the Gardens."

This season, there are more than 50 performances, 30 of which are free with Gardens admission. 

"The idea to expand the number of performances came from our desire to present arts and horticulture in the best way possible. Not only is Longwood one of the greatest display gardens in the world, but it is also a picturesque destination for the performing arts," says Performing Arts Manager Thomas Warner.

A World of Music series
The A World of Music series features eclectic performers from around the world, including Australia, Spain, and India.  Warner says that the idea behind this new series was to allow Longwood’s performing arts to represent a multitude of cultures just as its plants do.

“If someone were to attend the Soweto Gospel Choir concert in February, would they look at the Clivia plants differently since they are native to South Africa? Maybe, maybe not. But the world we inhabit is so rich and varied in both the arts and horticulture that it becomes a labor of love for Longwood staff to bring the artistry of both areas to light in order to give our guests extraordinary experiences,” says Warner.

As in years past, jazz, organ, and classical series are also being offered. These series will feature artists such as organist Peter Richard Conte, who is making his return to Longwood; Simone Dinnerstein, one of the most celebrated pianists of her generation; Danilo Perez, Panamanian jazz pianist; and Janis Siegel, who is one quarter of the timeless Manhattan Transfer quartet.

Pick three performances and save 10%
With such a large amount of performances this year, we expect that many guests will want to attend more than one show.  For this reason, we’ve introduced a new ticket-bundling discount.  When guests purchase tickets to three or more concerts in one transaction, they will receive a 10% discount.  Our Garden Pass Members will receive the benefit of an additional 10% off of their already discounted tickets. 

“The members are the heart and soul of our operations,” says Warner. “They love Longwood and support it in many ways.”

Members-only performances
Besides discounts on tickets, we have also scheduled two Members-only concerts.  On October 7, we welcome David Wax Museum, a duo combining American roots, Indie rock and traditional Mexican folk music.  Later in the season, on January 22, Curtis on Tour performs for Members.  Showcasing their talents, students from the Curtis Institute of Music will play alongside the school’s alumni and faculty.

Finally, several performances this season will be held in the Conservatory’s Exhibition Hall. While this has been done in the past, it has not been done regularly. This location is sure to provide a picturesque setting for performances.

“Can you imagine listening to the poetry and melodies of Suzanne Vega while seeing the moonlit conservatory above you?” asks Warner.

Brochures are expected to arrive in mailboxes by the end of the month.  A Members-only presale will run September 6-11 starting at 10 am.  Tickets go on sale to the public on September 12.

Click here to take a sneak peek at the full 2011-2012 Performing Arts season brochure.